George Snaith, chair of the trust’s steering group which includes head teachers and governors from all 11 schools, said: “Setting up the trust gives schools in Gosforth a bigger voice locally and nationally. It formalises our long-standing relationship and helps us to work better together by sharing our experience and resources.

“It’s the ideal way to improve on the already good standards at our schools and I’m confident the changes will be making a difference to our children for years to come.”

Catherine McKinnell MP for Newcastle North at the The Gosforth Schools Trust Launch

The trust was formally launched at Gosforth Civic Hall with Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell, Sir Leonard Fenwick from the Newcastle Hospitals Trust as well as representatives from universities and the business community.

Martin Surtees, assistant director of education at Newcastle City Council, said: “The trust model works by harnessing the collective strengths of each member school, in collaboration with businesses, other organisations and the city council, to develop ways of providing even better opportunities for children and young people in Gosforth.

“School trusts are an important part of our commitment to being a co-operative council working in true partnership with schools and others for the benefit of Newcastle’s children and young people.”

The launch event follows the creation of two others trusts last year: the Newcastle Special Schools Trust and the Newcastle North West Learning Trust. The Outer West Learning Trust, involving 10 primary schools in West Denton, was also established on April 1 and will be having its launch event later in the summer term.